OUT in all weathers ensuring local nature reserves offer the best possible wildlife habitats, are volunteers for the charity Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC).

ARC has owned part of Witley Common, close to Lea Coach Road, for 25 years with a base at the Witley Centre. A weekly working party of up to 25 volunteers headed by Weald officer Ralph Connolly, manages the site and also helps look after other reserves locally, including Hankley Common.

The charity manages 80 nature reserves nationally, mostly southern England heathland – a key habitat for some of the country’s rarest reptiles.

Several are specifically for natterjack toads, pool frogs and great crested newts.

Some of the rarest species on Witley Common are the secretive smooth snake and sand lizard, both now restricted to such heathland sites in the South.

Mr Connolly said: “ARC re-introduced them on Witley Common 20 years ago.

“Over the winter months when they are hibernating and the birds are not nesting, we clear the pines to allow the heath to generate. They need to be able to bask so we keep the habitat in good condition and then do more introductions.

“From March we switch to counting the numbers by putting out tins. The tins heat up quickly when it’s sunny and the reptiles go under them to get warm.

“In summer we also go to fetes and shows so people can look at the animals and handle them.

“The biggest threat to these creatures is habitat loss. We have to make sure there is enough land in good condition for them.

“When there are new developments, it can break up passageways and that isolates creatures and drives them away.

“Surrey heathland is rarer than the rain forest. It’s a very precious resource.”